If you’re looking to add some charm to your garden, you can’t go wrong with the bellflower. There are actually between 300 and 500 different species of these beauties scattered across the globe, though most of them call the Northern Hemisphere home. For the most part, they grow as lovely herbaceous perennials that return year after year.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Campanula
- Family: Campanulaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial (though some varieties are annual or biennial)
- Propagation: Division or starting from seed
- Flower Colors: Violet-blue, lavender, true blue, white, pink, or red
- Bloom Time: Varies by species, but usually June through September
- Height: Ranges from low-growing groundcovers to tall varieties reaching up to 3 feet
- Width: At least 8 inches
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, lean soil, ideally enriched with a bit of humus
- Light Requirements: Anywhere from full sun to shade, depending on the specific variety
Care Tips
One of the best things about bellflowers is that they aren’t “heavy feeders.” Since they actually prefer nutrient-poor soil with a bit of lime, you can usually skip the fertilizer altogether. Watering is where you’ll want to pay attention: they love staying hydrated but hate having “wet feet.” Make sure your soil drains well, or you might run into root rot.
While you don’t *have* to prune them heavily, I highly recommend deadheading (removing wilted flowers) throughout the summer. This keeps the plant from putting all its energy into making seeds and encourages it to keep pumping out new blooms instead. It’s also a good idea to give the plant a little “spring cleaning” now and then by snipping off any dead, sickly, or funky-looking stems.
Pests and Diseases
For the most part, Campanula is a tough-as-nails plant. However, if it’s planted in a spot it doesn’t like, it can get a bit stressed and vulnerable. Keep an eye out for thrips, leaf spot, or the mosaic virus. As far as pests go, spider mites can sometimes move in. If they do, don’t reach for the harsh chemicals right away—natural predators like predatory mites usually do a great job of clearing them up!
